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Event Coordinator (Event Conference Planner II)

SDSU Alumni, San Diego, CA, United States


Position Summary

The

Event Coordinator

plays a key role in bringing the College of Arts and Letters’ vision to life through impactful, well‑executed events. As part of the Dean’s Office team, this position collaborates closely with college leadership, communications, development, and resource management to plan and deliver a wide range of events that support strategic priorities, community engagement, and advancement efforts. With a balanced focus on donor/alumni events and broader college programming, the role manages all aspects of event planning—from concept through execution and follow‑up. This is an exciting opportunity for a detail‑oriented, creative professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys producing meaningful, high‑visibility events.
Key Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and execute college‑sponsored events, including donor and alumni engagement activities, lectures, conferences, and recognition events.
Manage event logistics, timelines, budgets, and financial processes in compliance with university policies.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, staff, vendors, and community partners.
Support event promotion in coordination with communications staff and ensure strong audience engagement.
Lead on‑site event execution and post‑event follow‑up, including documentation and evaluation.
Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
Key Qualifications

Experience coordinating logistics for events, meetings, or programs, including venue coordination, catering, audiovisual support, and scheduling.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, timelines, and deadlines while preparing detailed event documentation such as run‑of‑show materials, checklists, and schedules.
Working knowledge of financial and administrative processes, including tracking and reconciling event expenses and applying procurement, contract, and compliance policies.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Proficiency in standard office software and the ability to quickly learn event management and campus systems.
Experience planning and coordinating events in academic, advancement, or development environments, including large‑scale events with 50+ attendees is preferred.
Experience supporting donor cultivation, stewardship, and alumni engagement events, with an understanding of audience‑focused event execution is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate the work of student assistants, staff, and/or volunteers during event planning and execution is preferred.
Experience developing standardized event planning tools, templates, and process documentation to improve efficiency and consistency is preferred.
Knowledge of SDSU and CSU systems and policies is preferred.
Ability to collaborate with marketing and communications teams on event promotion, with familiarity with ADA accessibility considerations and experience working in public‑facing or unionized environments is preferred.
Compensation & Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well‑being and professional growth.
Compensation

Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 7 ($5,200) for highly qualified candidates.
Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,617–$6,727 per month (Step 1 – Step 20).
Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.
Full Benefits Package Includes

Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.
Equal Opportunity & EEO Statement

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. A background check, including a criminal records check, must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. If the background check reveals disqualifying information or the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information, the offer of employment may be rescinded. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Danan Pacheco (dpacheco@sdsu.edu).

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